Storm worm pulls Halloween hoax

It wouldn't be Halloween without the zombie-creating Storm malware up to some mischief.

The latest Storm-backed spam campaign invites e-mail recipients to visit a Halloween-themed Web site where they can download a dancing skeleton. What gets downloaded instead is a version of the Storm malware that turns unsuspecting users' PCs into members of the world's largest botnet. Members of these botnets are also known as zombies.

According to security vendor Marshal, the e-mail's embedded link is not to a URL but to an IP address. Users who click on the link to the Halloween Web site and don't have their browsers up to date with security patches could automatically become infected, Marshal says. Those who have current patches but click on the link to download the dancing skeleton could also become infected.

Storm's creators are nothing if not prolific. These malware writers jump on current event topics and seasonal happenings to lure e-mail users into visiting infected Web sites in attempts to grow their botnet, which some say now totals over 1 million members. Recent Storm spam campaigns have used Labor Day, the opening of the National Football League's season, and promises of YouTube video clips and current music snippets to trick recipients into clicking on Web links and becoming infected.

The malware's creators are also quick to deflect attempts by researchers to learn more about Storm. The worm can figure out which users are trying to probe its command-and-control servers and retaliates by launching distributed denial-of-service attacks against them, shutting down their Internet access for days, according to an IBM/ISS security professional.

The screen was particularly good. It is bright and visible from most angles, however heat is an issue, particularly around the Windows button on the front, and on the back where the battery housing is located.

My first impression after unboxing the Q702 is that it is a nice looking unit. Styling is somewhat minimalist but very effective. The tablet part, once detached, has a nice weight, and no buttons or switches are located in awkward or intrusive positions.

Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of IDG Communications is prohibited. Copyright 2013 IDG Communications.
ABN 14 001 592 650. All rights reserved.

Contact Us

With over 25 years of brand awareness and credibility, Good Gear Guide (formerly PC World Australia), consistently delivers editorial excellence through award-winning content and trusted product reviews.